Krack'd Peppa Café is a family friendly café located within the grounds of the historical Rose Cottage pub in Gilmore, 20 minutes south of the city. This café was previously run by the pub and was positioned close to the beer garden, however in August 2016 it was completely moved to the entrance of the property and is now managed by new owners. An industrial kitchen has been fitted into this new space, so the owner of Krack'd Peppa can cook up a storm and provide delicious meals for kids, families, couples and locals who come to enjoy the relaxed environment. The highlight for families is the large playground for kids with cubby, slide, sandpit, chalkboard and toy trucks to play with in the sandpit.

This café is open between Wednesday and Sunday (at the time of writing) for breakfast and lunch, or simply just a coffee and a play. They also offer Tradies deals and takeaway options, for those who are on the move during the week. For locals, this is a handy place to meet up for mothers groups or play dates, with a large pallet seating area next to the playground to sit back and relax, for a coffee and chat.

Fun for kids and relaxed seating for adults at Krack'd Peppa Café, Gilmore

The playground is the main highlight of the café, with a large area dedicated to kiddie fun. The equipment is ideally suited to toddlers, pre-schoolers and younger primary schoolers, with plenty of opportunity to dig in the sandpit and climb the tower cubby. The two swings were a particular highlight for our daughter, aged five, who could stay on them all day if she could. Although she enjoyed all the activities, we did have a couple of issues with tripping on the crazy paving under the swing and the slide was so steep that she literally flew off the end. Despite this, however, we had such an enjoyable time, that both of us can't wait to go back.

There is a good variety of outside seating in different areas, with a small undercover area which will be popular in the cooler months, with plastic curtains that can roll down to keep out the wind. The entrance is close by, which takes you inside into a surprisingly large interior with exposed timber and country cottage feel. It is here that you can pick up a menu and place your order, which will then be brought out to you wherever you choose to sit. There are delicious meals on the menu such as the Slim Dusty, Brioche French Toast, Ricotta Hot Cakes and the Big Brekkie. On our visit we enjoyed a second breakfast of Banana Bread and Raisin Toast, which we enjoyed outside near the playground with a coffee and strawberry milk. If you are a tea drinker, they use local tea producer Adore Tea, with five choices of flavours. Keep in mind however, that the closest toilet is at the Rose Cottage pub, a little further up the roadway.

With friendly staff, tasty food and a "home away from home" cosy feeling about the café, we felt very comfortable on the chilled out pallet seating area, eating our breakfast. If you are interested in reading reviews from other happy locals, see their Facebook here.

On our visit we were the only people enjoying the café, as it was the first day back after a Christmas break. As we left however, the cars started to roll in with kids on board, all eager to get into the playground and play. For Tuggeranong locals, it is handy to have a café with a playground so close to home, with delicious food and a quirky, rustic atmosphere. For locals, it is worth checking the chalkboard as you drive by to look for the "Open" sign and see Krack'd Peppa Café for yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised by what you will discover.